Multiscale Coarse-Grained Modeling with Experimental Verification of DNA-Carbon Nanotube Complexes

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The goal of the proposed research is to uncover the underlying interaction mechanisms between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and DNA molecules through an integrated experimental and modeling approach. DNA-CNT complexes, benefiting from both the unique electro-mechanical properties of CNTs and the specific molecular recognition capabilities of the immobilized single-stranded DNA, hold great promise for bio-molecular detection and gene delivery applications. Despite considerable prior experimental efforts, the DNA-CNT interface is still poorly understood, greatly limiting the reliability and the efficiency of such novel applications. The proposed research will significantly enhance our current knowledge of the DNA-CNT interface, and will pave the way toward the realization of high-sensitivity miniaturized DNA-CNT based biosensors. The complementary educational plan will greatly increase both the general public's awareness of nanotechnology-based biomedical applications and the participation of young investigators in the exciting field of nanobiotechnology.